Shift Kit questions
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From: PA
Shift Kit questions
Hi, new owner (well, caretaker - it's my gf's horse towing truck) of a 95 F-150 XLT (5.8L, E4OD, 4x4, Supercab, 149k mi). Tranny and engine are original AFAIK. Will be used for towing only, maybe 2x/month - I estimate 20-50mi trips with 4000-6000lb trailer.
So I'm reading about shift kits, and I figure I should install one (in addition to a tranny temp gauge and drain plug), but I have a few questions:
- Will the crisp shifts be felt by the horses in the trailer? (In other words, do the crisp shifts soften some when it's heavily loaded?)
- Transgo or Baumann? I'm aiming for tranny longevity, not performance.
- When I go to drop the pan, is there any way to prevent a massive mess on the pavement?
- What's the deal with valve body replacement? Is there anything in it for me? (money saved on the tranny will go into things like cooling system replacements)
(mods: if this belongs in the tranny section please slap me and move it)
Dave
So I'm reading about shift kits, and I figure I should install one (in addition to a tranny temp gauge and drain plug), but I have a few questions:
- Will the crisp shifts be felt by the horses in the trailer? (In other words, do the crisp shifts soften some when it's heavily loaded?)
- Transgo or Baumann? I'm aiming for tranny longevity, not performance.
- When I go to drop the pan, is there any way to prevent a massive mess on the pavement?
- What's the deal with valve body replacement? Is there anything in it for me? (money saved on the tranny will go into things like cooling system replacements)
(mods: if this belongs in the tranny section please slap me and move it)
Dave
Last edited by dgeesaman; Jul 25, 2005 at 09:47 PM.
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From: Willamette Valley, Oregon
welcome aboard! If you have to install a shift kit go with the transgo. I would think that the crisp shifts depending on how crisp they are WILL be felt by the horses. Why dont you just manually shift the trans like I do. When you manually shift the E4OD you add either an extra clutch pack or an extra band making the transmission stronger during that shift. As for the trans plug, go to your dealership and they have a trans pan for the 4R100 that comes with the plug and get the reusable trans gasket with it. You will also need new longer trans pan bolts for the newer style pan. It will make fluid changes easier and you will never need to replace the gasket again(make sure and use the FORD trans filter they are better than the aftermarket)! I have 150000 on my original trans(E4OD) and engine(5.8) and have towed everything from a four place horse trailer to a travel trailer for most of its life with no troubles just maintenance and the first 70000 was doing duty as a sheriffs rig and they are not easy on their rigs!
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From: PA
Originally Posted by Ponyracer
welcome aboard! If you have to install a shift kit go with the transgo. I would think that the crisp shifts depending on how crisp they are WILL be felt by the horses. Why dont you just manually shift the trans like I do. When you manually shift the E4OD you add either an extra clutch pack or an extra band making the transmission stronger during that shift.
From what I've read, you get to drill out some orifice holes in the valve body, and this gives you some control over how crisp each shift will become. I don't want anything that will jolt the horses and cause them to shift their balance.
I think I'll contact Baumann and Transgo and see what they say.
Dave
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From: PA
Originally Posted by Tectron1
Mine shifts firm when Im not pulling anything, but with a decent load the harshness is greatly reduced. I doubt the horses will notice.
Dave
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From: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Originally Posted by Ponyracer
Why dont you just manually shift the trans like I do. When you manually shift the E4OD you add either an extra clutch pack or an extra band making the transmission stronger during that shift.
By doing this MANUAL shifting the trans will add an extra clutch pack or band for that gear that the automatic shifting programmed by the computer(PCM) doesnt add making the trans stronger in that gear than if you left it in drive/OD.
Last edited by Ponyracer; Jul 26, 2005 at 10:55 AM.
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From: PA
Originally Posted by Ponyracer
No, I meant MANUALLY shift the trans by actually physically moving the shift lever into first gear when ...
Dave
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well the owners manual will not tell you about the extra clutches and bands applied during certain manual shifts. That information comes from the repair manual and my 11 years experience as a Ford master tech in which I specialized in drivetrains and transmissions. We always suggested to our customers that towed to manually shift their automatic transmissions for longevity and durability reasons. I for instance have 150000 on my person 94 F150 supercab 5.8 E4OD truck and have hauled everything from a travel trailer to a 4 place horse trailer with no troubles. I do suggest that if you do alot of towing to service you trans every year around the end of your areas hot season to check out the visual condition of your trans and to get out that trans fluid that has been used during the heat because heat kills and breaks down petrolium products.
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The transgo kits usually give you a choice between all out or firming up the shifts. I used a transgo on my C6, I love it, and wouldn't go with anything else, I put everything in and now can manually shift and hold any gear to any rpm, or Put it in drive and let the trans shift it. Its the best mod I've done to the truck. Now it Squeals the tires, barks the shifts and will get me to 95 in a hurry.
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